KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Algeria and Uruguay have officially joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), further strengthening the treaty’s standing as a cornerstone of regional stability and peaceful cooperation.
Their accession brings the total number of states parties to the Asean treaty to 57.
Representatives from both nations formalised their commitment on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today.
Algeria was represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad Ahmed Attaf, while Uruguay was represented by its Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan witnessed the signing ceremony. Also present were other Asean foreign ministers, including Timor-Leste, thus signifying the bloc’s collective welcome of the new signatories.
Established in 1976, the TAC embodies universal principles of peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation among states. It serves as a legally binding code for interstate relations within Southeast Asia and extends its influence beyond the region.
The treaty has undergone three amendments: in 1987, 1998, and 2010, primarily to allow for accession by states outside Southeast Asia and regional organisations comprising sovereign states.
Meanwhile, in a brief press conference after the signing ceremony, all three foreign ministers expressed their commitment to increased multilateralism among Global South nations.
Lubetkin said too many Global South projects remain isolated and disconnected, leading to missed opportunities.
“There are incredible investments and projects in the Global South that we do not even know about. What could happen if we worked better together?” he said.
Lubetkin added that Asean’s model of consensus-based regionalism offers a path forward, especially as countries in Latin America and Africa face similar global headwinds.
Algeria’s Ahmed echoed the sentiment, saying Asean had emerged as a respected model of modest, stable integration.
“Asean offers a genuine model of modesty, cooperation, and integration. We want to learn from that,” he said, thanking Malaysia for its role in supporting Algeria’s accession.
“We are going through difficult times globally. Movements like TAC help stabilise the world order based on the rule of law and mutual respect. That is what Asean stands for,” Ahmed added.
The TAC has garnered significant international support, attracting signatories from major global powers including China, the United States, Russia, and the European Union.
This broad participation underscores the treaty’s pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the wider international community.
The 58th AMM and related meetings are being held from Tuesday (July 8) to Friday (July 11) under Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship for 2025, with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
— Bernama
